Market Development Support Engineer [26023] in Didcot

Support the MDS Service. Organise the service so that it complements the work of the ESA programme (in this case, in-Space Transportation), allowing the commercial operating model to be designed along technical derisking activities. Support and advise the ESA Technical Responsible and the In-Space Transportation Lead on the options available to ensure proper governance of this work, enabling adequate oversight and participation of key external and internal actors.

Support the MDS service through:

• Assessing and evaluating business cases submitted by industrial partners/companies participating in the In-Space Transportation Programme.
• Assisting in the design and development of innovative business models required for the success of the In-Space Transportation system as delivered by commercial and non-commercial partners.
• Engaging with key stakeholders at European and national levels to identify regulatory requirements essential in supporting future In-Space Transportation markets in Europe.
• Carrying out required analyses to determine any funding requirements at a company, infrastructure, government, or any other appropriate level, deemed essential to deliver In-Space Transportation services on a commercially sustainable basis.
• Working with experts within and outside ESA to determine which capital models may be required and how they can be delivered, ensuring suitable public and private financing for the In-Space Transportation sector.
• Engaging with various ESA programme leads and project heads, and procurement experts and specialists, to determine how ESA may leverage its role as a procuring agency to seed demand for future In-Space Transportation services.
• Carrying out any analysis required to successfully deliver the areas under this work package, including supporting in the identification and management of suitable external partners/consultancies/experts who may carry out further additional analysis as required.
• Identifying other programmes or projects of high relevance in the delivery of a commercial operating model for In-Space Transportation and onboarding them as part of the MDS effort.

Qualifications:

• Masters degree in engineering or relevant discipline.
• At least 10 years of working experience, with at least 3 years in a space field.
• More than 5 years of policy experience, ideally at a senior government level.
• Experience of developing, managing, and overseeing complex programmes and projects with public and private stakeholders with value exceeding 50 MEUR.
• Clear understanding of the challenges related to Space commercialisation in Europe and the mission of the European Space Agency.
• Fluent in English.
• Experience in relevant areas such as commercialisation, technology transfer, application, and/or technology assessment and intellectual property is a distinct advantage.
• Experience in management teams, spread across multiple locations.
• Familiarity with the services provided by ESA is an asset.
• Experience in foresight studies/projects is an asset.
• Working with international partners is an asset.

Additional Information:

This job is located in Harwell, UK but also in Noordwijk, The Netherlands. If you think you have what it takes for this job, please send your CV (in English and in Word or PDF) to Leandros Foteinias, by clicking on the button “Apply for this job” quoting job UK-HP-26023. An exciting and dynamic international working environment awaits you! Inclusive and committed employer, our company works every day to combat all forms of discrimination and promote a respectful working environment. Committed to gender diversity and overall inclusivity, we encourage all applications and profiles. Last apply date: 28/2/2026!